Seat itself has issued only a brief statement saying the concept car "matches the Seat brand perfectly with its performance, dynamic design and crossover attitude and the urban lifestyle of our young spirited customers."

It is not clear just how fast the car would be. The Seat Leon Cupra is powered by a 276bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, but this car could use the VW Golf R's faster 296bhp powertrain and Haldex all-wheel drive system.

No potential date for the concept to go on-sale has been given, but if the reaction from potential customers is positive it could launch within the next 18 months.